Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Very cold temperatures are likely the biggest hazard in the region right now. Make conservative plans, even a small accident can have big consequences.
Check out this blog from our Yukon field team about managing the cold while traveling in avalanche terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday explosive control in the region produced only very small avalanches with a depth of 10cm.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack is becoming increasingly unconsolidated and faceted. Some wind effect can be found in the alpine.
The main layer of concern is the mid-November layer, which is made up of either surface hoar, facets, or crusts. It is now buried 40 to 80 cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has tapered off but it could still be possible to trigger this layer in isolated terrain features near treeline.
Alpine snowpack distribution is variable, with depths ranging from 70 to 140 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
No new snow expected. Light northeast winds and a low of -36 at 2000m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light westerly winds and a high of -31 at 2000m.
Friday
Cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Southwest winds increasing throughout the day to strong in the evening. High of -25 at 2000m.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5cm of new snow. Strong southwest winds and a high of -20 at 2000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar, facets and, a crust from mid november is buried around 40 cm deep but can be found down as much as 80 cm. This layer is becoming increasingly hard to trigger but could still be sensitive to rider traffic on isolated slopes at treeline and below where the snow above feels stiff and consolidated.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5